ARCHIVED: Natural Gas Development
- The Province updated the Residential Tenancy Act in 2004 after consulting with the public and added a provision for pet damage deposits to help encourage landlords to accept pets in their buildings and rental units.
- Under the act, a landlord may restrict the size, kind and number of pets or include reasonable pet-related rules in the tenancy agreement.
- A written rental agreement should indicate whether or not pets are allowed. If only certain pets are acceptable, the agreement should provide clear detail. (A rental agreement may, for example, allow 1 small dog up to 25 pounds but no cats.)
- During a tenancy, the tenant must follow the rules set out in the tenancy agreement about pets.
- Without any written prohibition or restriction in place, it may be considered the tenant is allowed to have pets.
- If a landlord and tenant do not agree on the terms of the tenancy agreement, including rules about pets, either party can apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for dispute resolution.
Media Contacts
Lindsay Byers
Media RelationsMinistry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617
